International Graduate Teaching Assistant Orientation

Date/Time:

August 16, 2025 - 8:00 AM - 2:30 PM E.T. (Lunch will be provided.)

Audience:

Students NEW to U.S. and MSU and TEACHING

Registration:

https://grad.msu.edu/tapreg

Location:

STEM Teaching Learning Facility (642 Red Cedar Rd), Room 2130

Goal:

Familiarize International Graduate Teaching Assistants with cultural differences in living, teaching, and learning in the U.S. as compared to their home countries. They will have the opportunity to interact with current International Graduate Teaching Assistants regarding navigating life, procedures. They will also be introduced to valuable resources.

International Graduate Teaching Assistants will be able to …

  • Describe how their home culture differs from the U.S. culture.
  • Compare and contrast how teaching in the U.S. differs to their experience in their home countries.
  • Articulate questions pertaining to navigating life, procedures, and resources in East Lansing and at MSU.
  • Acquaint themselves with services to help with adjustment to their new environment and role.

Agenda:

Time (all ET)

Session

8:00 – 8:30 am

Check-In

8:30 – 8:40 am

Welcome Int’l Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs)

Dr. Stefanie Baier

8:40 – 9:10 am

Appreciation, Belonging, and Building Community at MSU

Presenter: Dr. Stefanie Baier

9:10 – 9:20 am

BREAK

9:20 – 10:20 am

Teaching in the U.S. and the American Classroom: What to consider

Presenter: Dangkamol Wongthanaroj

10:20 – 10:35 am

BREAK

10:35 – 11:10 am

Introduction to Resources for GTAs

Employee Assistant Program, English Language Center, GTA Teaching Learning Community, Center for Teaching & Learning Innovation, MSU Libraries, The Writing Center, Graduate Office of Wellbeing, OISS Resources & Playlist

11:10 – 12:10 pm

The Path Forward: Experiences of International GTAs (Panel)

Moderator: Danielle Cadet

12:10 – 12:25 pm

The GTA Contract (Graduate Employees Union)

12:30 – 2:30 pm

LUNCH & COMMUNITY BUILDING